Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Finance the income taxes, levies and charges applicable to a person who is earning less than €200 per week. [35345/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The indicative calculations of the amounts of income tax, income levy, health levy and PRSI which apply to a person earning less than €200 per week or €10,400 per annum, are set out in the following table for the tax year 2009.

The calculations assume person is less than 65 years old; the person's spouse has no income and the person is entitled only to standard personal tax credits.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Finance the position with respect to the payment of VAT by travel agents who organise walking and cycling holidays here; his proposals for modifying this regime; the details of proposals or changes which are due to come into effect in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35359/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that at present services supplied by travel agents and tour operators are treated as exempt from VAT. The Finance (No.2) Act 2008 amended the Value-Added Tax Act 1972 to provide for the introduction of a travel agents margin scheme. This scheme deals with the activities carried on by travel agents who act in the capacity of a principal when supplying certain travel services such as transport, accommodation, etc, which they have bought in from third parties for onward supply to travellers. The travel agents who organise walking and cycling holidays in the State, to which the Deputy refers, would appear to be acting in the capacity of a principal. As such, these will be dealt with for VAT purposes under the provisions of the margin scheme.

The margin scheme comes into effect on 1 January 2010 and provides for the taxation of the travel agent's margin at the standard rate of VAT, currently 21.5%. The travel agent will be entitled to claim a VAT input credit in respect of VAT incurred on overheads. With effect from 1 January 2010 travel agents who act in an intermediary capacity will be taxable in respect of the services they supply, with the charge being levied on their commission at the standard rate of VAT. A detailed information leaflet on the travel agents margin scheme is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.